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Given that Wales have won just four of their last 12 matches - a run stretching back to last year's Six Nations and including a defeat to Waikato Chiefs - Howley was asked to justify his comments at today's press conference.

“If you look at the statistic for the Six Nations, it’s about 70 odd per cent," he replied.

“In sport, sometimes fine margins make a huge difference and we need to get on the positive side of them. We expect a reaction on Friday night.

“We had a box-holders meeting here last Wednesday and I thought Alun Wyn Jones and Sam Warburton were outstanding in terms of what was discussed about what happened against Scotland.

Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones (Image: Getty Images)

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“The challenge for us is to make sure we deliver a performance this week.

“Every player has a point to prove when you pull the national jersey on. That’s the challenge of international rugby. It’s about handling the pressure from one minute to 80 minutes. That’s the challenge for all of us.

“Winning is pretty important on Friday night, as everyone knows. International rugby is about winning. It’s the same in cricket, football or rugby. That is the same consistent message to our players.”